New health minister for accelerated, enhanced immunisation coverage

Announces to open additional EPI centres across the country

ISLAMABAD: As World Immunisation Week begins, the new chief health official of the government has called for improving the incumbent immunisation regime which works to reach every child to protect them against diseases.

“The government has committed to invest in human development, improve living conditions of the people and most importantly, protect our children from diseases,” stated by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the new health czar of the country said that the government was working on strengthening immunisation programmes, considering it a backbone of public healthcare.

“World Immunization Week is a reminder that each and every one of us has to contribute in ensuring that every child is protected through vaccination,” he said.

In this regard, Dr Mirza said that there was a need to improve the current system, and all efforts must be made to reach every unvaccinated child and prevent our children from morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He added that they were working on a National Action Plan to improve primary healthcare in the country with special emphasis on immunization.

“The government is all set to open more expanded programme on immunization (EPI) centres strategically to ensure the provision of a network of immunization services so that no one is left behind,” Dr Mirza vowed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2019.